EU's Costa Emphasizes Importance of Defence Cooperation Amid Trade Tensions
European Council President underlines necessity of focusing on defence burden-sharing as trade disputes loom.
European Council President António Costa has stressed that current transatlantic trade tensions should not overshadow the critical issue of defence burden-sharing between Europe and the United States.
Speaking to reporters in Brussels, Costa highlighted the importance of maintaining focus on European defence, emphasizing the need to rebalance responsibilities.
He indicated that creating new disputes could distract from essential discussions surrounding security cooperation.
Costa's remarks come in anticipation of several high-level summits, including the G7 and NATO meetings, where European leaders are expected to engage with US President Donald Trump.
These discussions aim to advance trade negotiations while securing ongoing US commitment to European security amid shifting geopolitical priorities.
Since the Trump administration took office, the European Commission has been in negotiations to avert a proposed 50% tariff on all EU imports into the United States, which is set to take effect on July 9.
In recent months, European nations have made moves to increase their defence expenditures—a matter of contention for Trump—as Washington considers shifting its security focus away from Europe towards Asia.
Costa noted that the United States is re-evaluating its strategic priorities, urging Europe to collaborate with the US in a manner that is equitable and effective, whilst ensuring that NATO’s Article 5 deterrent capability remains intact.
Furthermore, Costa called attention to the necessity for Europe to identify and enhance specific military capabilities to address future strategic gaps.
Another contentious issue on the horizon is the divergence between the EU and the US regarding additional sanctions on Russia in response to its actions in Ukraine.
Costa observed that the implementation of new sanctions does not hinge on Trump but rather on Russian President Vladimir Putin's actions.
He asserted that should Putin disregard diplomatic efforts, the EU may have no choice but to pursue at least an eighteenth package of sanctions.
Speaking to reporters in Brussels, Costa highlighted the importance of maintaining focus on European defence, emphasizing the need to rebalance responsibilities.
He indicated that creating new disputes could distract from essential discussions surrounding security cooperation.
Costa's remarks come in anticipation of several high-level summits, including the G7 and NATO meetings, where European leaders are expected to engage with US President Donald Trump.
These discussions aim to advance trade negotiations while securing ongoing US commitment to European security amid shifting geopolitical priorities.
Since the Trump administration took office, the European Commission has been in negotiations to avert a proposed 50% tariff on all EU imports into the United States, which is set to take effect on July 9.
In recent months, European nations have made moves to increase their defence expenditures—a matter of contention for Trump—as Washington considers shifting its security focus away from Europe towards Asia.
Costa noted that the United States is re-evaluating its strategic priorities, urging Europe to collaborate with the US in a manner that is equitable and effective, whilst ensuring that NATO’s Article 5 deterrent capability remains intact.
Furthermore, Costa called attention to the necessity for Europe to identify and enhance specific military capabilities to address future strategic gaps.
Another contentious issue on the horizon is the divergence between the EU and the US regarding additional sanctions on Russia in response to its actions in Ukraine.
Costa observed that the implementation of new sanctions does not hinge on Trump but rather on Russian President Vladimir Putin's actions.
He asserted that should Putin disregard diplomatic efforts, the EU may have no choice but to pursue at least an eighteenth package of sanctions.
AI Disclaimer: An advanced artificial intelligence (AI) system generated the content of this page on its own. This innovative technology conducts extensive research from a variety of reliable sources, performs rigorous fact-checking and verification, cleans up and balances biased or manipulated content, and presents a minimal factual summary that is just enough yet essential for you to function as an informed and educated citizen. Please keep in mind, however, that this system is an evolving technology, and as a result, the article may contain accidental inaccuracies or errors. We urge you to help us improve our site by reporting any inaccuracies you find using the "Contact Us" link at the bottom of this page. Your helpful feedback helps us improve our system and deliver more precise content. When you find an article of interest here, please look for the full and extensive coverage of this topic in traditional news sources, as they are written by professional journalists that we try to support, not replace. We appreciate your understanding and assistance.
